Flashback--Friday

What is this you might ask? Well, for Flashback-Friday I am going back 2 years or so (shortly after my mom passed on) the family was together at the Farm and my sisters and I where preparing a salad of some sort and behold I cut the green pepper open to find a face smiling back at me. It was a simple way that my mom was able to let me know that she is in a better place. For these where peppers that she had planted in the Spring!!

The Family...this week

On Saturday night Malissa preformed in a dance routine at the high school with all the cheerleaders. It was a cute dance to a song called "Peanut Butter and Jelly".


The sun was shining yesterday afternoon so the "BOYS" thought they should play with their toys.

R.J decided it was time to learn how to jump something other then ditches...

Randy's new skid loader...

And me sitting on the Harley just a wishing that it was nice enough to take it for a ride.

Worldess Wednesday

Ten Things Tuesday...is BACK!

1)I am so glad XBOX is back and everything is ok.

2)That my gas bill was only $200.00. December was so cold and we received 22 inches of snow and the below zero temps. The insulation in the attic must be helping. Plus the new thermal heater. Years before it would run over $400 and we never hardly had the house above 65 degrees. This year we are closer to 70.

3)I figured out "Twitter" so now I can keep up with MckMomma all the time. If you have Twitter let me know.


4)I was able to vote for our local Country singer Shawn Mayer...in hopes she gets enough of her fans to vote for her so she can open for Little Big Town...see post below for more info.


5)For the spaghetti supper we had on Sunday night with 6 other friends...it was the best. Salad, garlic bread, the biggest meatballs, and jello cake, mmm,mmm, good!


6)My friend had a health baby boy. Welcome Nathan. He is so sweet.

7)That we where able to figure out a time to have a baby shower for this cute lil baby!

8)For a DVR...I was able to watch the Bachelor and record Jon & Kate plus 8.

9)That my life is a little less hectic this week. Since my trip I haven't been able to get caught up...Are we ever really caught up?

10)That it didn't take very long to come up with these Ten Things. If you want to read more thoughtfulness words click HERE.

Shawn Mayer...Please take a moment and Vote for her...Again!

Shawn Mayer was on season 6 of Nashville Star once again needs our votes. She now is wanting ALL of our votes to help her to win a contest so she can open for the music group Little Big Town. So please click HERE and click on Demand and place your vote. Voting ends Feb 27, 2009.
This is what Shawn posted on Facebook...Click on her name and go to her page and become a fan.
Shawn Mayer ~ Please go to my music myspace page and click on the demand button.. the winner gets to open for Little Big Town.. THANKS YA'LL.

This is my daughter getting her autograph at the Clay County Fair in September 2008.

Mexico 2009

Here they are...Finally some pictures of our Vacation

Air view stolen off the web of the Sandos Caracol, Riviera Maya, Mexico
See the square building in the picture above? That is the Spa, (front view down below) Anyway our room was toward the top of this picture so we had quite the jont to the beach. We had a hot tub out on the balcony, Should have been very romantic; however if the neighbors were on their balcony they could see us, so sad to say with the rainy weather and neighbors able to see we only sat in the hot tub one night in the dark and in our swim suits. :)

This was the view from the balcony...such pretty tree tops. Where is my ocean view and in room Coffee? :( Nope not either on this trip.

This was the little building we lived in for the week. No elevator...but got the exercise. If you look real close, Randy is on the top floor.

One day we had a pretty peacock made out of towels on our bed.

The resort itself was beautiful to walk around. The trees, birds & iguanas where fun to look for.

This is our Friend and next door neighbor enjoying the water looking for shells.

The view from the beach...on a clear day you can see Cozumel.

An other couple with us. I love this photo of them.

Front of the Spa...This was really pretty but the water was freezing in the pretty pool. We did spend one afternoon here in a huge Jacuzzi kind of hidden in the back. It was only luke warm but was fun.

Birds on the ocean every day.

Awe...look what Randy wrote...He does still Love me!

So the vacation wasn't has fun as we all anticipated since the sun forgot to shine, but I was so glad to get away with some of the best friends I have.

The Beginning of our Mexican Vacation

Getting to know you 2009 style...

1.What is your occupation right now? Wife, Mom, Aunt, Friend, Christian, City Employee,
2. What color are your socks right now? white
3.What are you listening to right now? Jon & Kate Plus 8
4.What was the last thing that you ate? popcorn
5.Can you drive a stick shift? Not any more, My brother-in-law Jerry taught me at 16 but haven't driven one since.
6. Last person you spoke to on the phone? Randy actual talk. Friend Karen by texting.
7. Do you like the person who sent this to you? Yup...I love both my sisters I received this from
8. How old are you today? 38
9. What is your favorite sport to watch on TV? Football I guess, don't really watch sports on TV.
10. What is your favorite drink? Diet Coke or Busch Lite
11.Have you ever dyed your hair? Yup...That is why it was created.
12.Favorite food? Steak & bakes potatoes
13. What is the last movie you watched? Movie Theatre...Been so long I don't remember but I watch the Hallmark movie channel on TV all the time.
14. Favorite day of the year? hmmm...any day that ends in "Y"!
15.How do you vent anger? I just go in an other room and cry I guess.
16. What was your favorite toy as a child? Dolls
17. What is your favorite season? Spring...when everything comes to life.
18. Cherries or Blueberries? Cherries...
19. Do you want your friends to e-mail you back? Those who want to post sure can just let me know so I can read yours too,
20.Living arrangements? Married to a wonderful man for almost 16 yrs, children 15, 13,& 9, two dogs and several fish
21. When was the last time you cried? watching stupid Grey's Anatomy
22. What is on the floor of your closet? tubs of clothes
23. What did you do last night? went to a basket ball game to watch Malissa preform a dance routine with the cheerleaders.
24. What are you most afraid of? Agree with Angie and Karen...something bad happening to my kids or my husband or any family/friend member
25. Plain, cheese, or spicy hamburgers? I usually order a veggie burger no cheese
26. Favorite dog breed? don't have one...but we have a chocolate lab and a wired hair terrier mutt
27. Favorite day of the week? Fridays...look forward to the weekend
28. How many states have you lived in? Iowa only!
29. Diamonds or pearls? Diamonds, they are sparkly
30.What is your favorite flower? pink carnations

7 Things...
Here are 7 random/weird things about me.....
1. I carry chap stick, lip gloss or carmex with me at all times. I am lost with out it.
2. After 22 years I still think about & miss my best friend from high school soooo much. She was killed in a car accident in 1986. I think about her often and get tears in my eyes when I think if her sweet smile.
3. Like to listen to Christian Rock music in the car... usually when I'm by myself. But my kids don't mind.
4. If I pace my self I can drink a 12 pack and not have a hang over. Probably shouldn't be proud of this one. :) But it is true... this is me and my Beverage Babe Koozie.

5. I can't wait for nice weather so I can go riding with my hubby on his new Harley.
6. During the winter I like to go to bed by 9pm
7. I enjoy blogging and picture editing when I have the time....or make the time.

I tag anybody that hasn't done this yet. A lot of people have done them so I don't know who to tag... so if you haven't had the chance, you best be doing it!!

We are home...Safe & Sound

Sandos Resort & Spa, Riviera Maya, Mexico

First off I want to "Thank" each of you who read and said a prayer for us...For we arrived and returned safe and sound. BUT I think I forgot to add, "To pray for SUN".

UGH!

What a dreary week we did have but it was a lot of fun for the friends that we went with and we missed out on some the coldest weather Iowa has ever had. So it was nice to get away. So this is just a quick post and I will I promise post more photos. Maybe this weekend, for being gone a week I am way behind on everything and I have a busy schedule this week also. So haven't had much time in the evenings to catch this up.

MEXICO...Here we come...

Cancun Mexico March 2007!

On Tuesday morning, (Weather premitting) 6 of my closest friends and Randy & I will be flying out of Minneapolis, MN to Cancun, Mexico and then taking a bus 40 miles South to the Sandos Caracole Resort and Spa...

Two years we went with the friend above to Cancun and had such a blast we decided to take a trip about every two years or so together. So this post is short and sweet to just inform you I won't be visiting any of my Blog friends or have any new post till next week.

I hope to come home with a fabulous tan...I better get going and finish packing...The forcast is for a BLIZZARD tomorrow on our way up. So maybe if you all help me in reading the small prayers below that we all arrive and safe and sound and return the same.

Some traditions suggest reciting the following psalm when flying in an airplane:

A Song of Ascent — Psalm 121

I lift up my eyes to the hills.

What is the source my help?

My help comes from the Lord,

Maker of the heavens and the earth.

God will not allow you to stumble,

Your Guardian will not slumber.

Indeed, the Guardian of Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps.

The Lord is your Guardian, your shelter at your side.

The sun will not smite you by day nor the moon by night.

The Lord will guard you against all evil;

God will guard you, body and soul.

The Lord will guard your going outand your coming home, now and forever.

A TRAVELING PRAYER POEM

by Eva

Dear Heavenly Father, be with me I pray.

Thank You for guarding me night and day.

Thank You forYour peace that blankets me.

As I travel the airways, the byways, and sea.

Help me to fulfill my mission without delay.

Lead me and guide me each step of the way,

That I may return safely to my friends and family.

Thank You, dear LORD, for traveling with me.

Trinity Heights, Sioux City, Iowa

I love this picture...my sister took it last March, then I just edited.
Trinity Heights is one of the most neatest place is Iowa to visit.

4th Folder...4th Picture

So, the idea is to go to your pictures file, go to the fourth file, and then the fourth picture in that file. Post the picture and explain it! So here it goes....
This is picture is of my OLDEST niece. See is such a beautiful girl. I love her so. She however lives in California...so I don't get to see her to much. So if it wasn't for "MySpace" or for "Facebook" I wouldn't get to chat with her like I do. This is just a picture of her I STOLE by right clicking on her photos to keep for my self.

Emily...I tag you to do the same...

HUSBAND TAG...

Husband Tag

I love tags...You learn so much about someone through these...
1 - WHAT IS YOUR HUSBAND'S NAME? Randy

2 - HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN MARRIED? 16 years :)

3 - HOW LONG DID YOU DATE? I don't think we ever dated...pretty much just moved in with each other from the start. But we were together 17 months before we signed the legal papers.

4 - HOW OLD IS HE? the BIG 40

5 - WHO IS TALLER? me

6 - WHO CAN SING BEST? Um... me... haha just kidding!!! Randy is WAY better

7 - WHO IS SMARTER? Randy...........by far.

8 - WHO DOES LAUNDRY? my Son Zachary or me

9 - WHO PAYS THE BILLS? I pay personal Randy pays Business

10 - WHO SLEEPS ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE BED? That would be me

11 - WHO MOWS THE LAWN?That is a mans job in my book.

12 - WHO COOKS DINNER? I usually do but every once in a while Randy will. HE cooks more in the summer.

13 - WHO IS THE FIRST TO ADMIT THEY'RE WRONG? Not Randy
14 - WHO KISSED WHO FIRST? Randy kissed me...

15 - WHO WEARS THE PANTS? We both wear pants or should I say Jeans. :)

Over all I can't complain...I love him very much!

The Shack...

This is the most awesome, heart touching, emotional book I have read. I'm not very good with words but man, William Paul Young sure is. If you know much about me...I'm not a huge book fan. But about two months ago while seaching through blogs I found someone who just blogged about this book. I am so sorry I don't remember who. BUT it was you who encouraged me to read this book. So I immediatly Googled and bought it. So there it sat on my headboard for weeks and finally one night I decided to start and I couldn't put it down. I however had to because it was getting late. Last night I was reading it and Zach popped in to ask a question and he wanted to know what was wrong. Litterally nothing but emotions and the tears were just a rolling down my cheeks. He then just smiled at me.

So my friend if you feel you need a lift...Just read this book and your eyes will see a whole new world, light, inspiration. I'm not sure how you'll describe it.

Name Three things...

3 of my recent favorite purchases:
1. My bed
2. photo album for my sister
3. The book "The Shack"

3 favorite movies:
1. The Notebook
2. Savannh Smiles
3. Bridges of Madison County

3 things I haven't done yet:
1. Rode in a hot air balloon
2. Gone skinny dipping
3. Drove a motorcycle

3 things I can't live without:
1. My Heavenly Father
2. Family
3. Chap stick, lip gloss or carmex

3 of my favorite dishes:
1. Steak & Baked Potato
2. Hot Roast Beef & Mashed Potatoes
3. Anything I don't have to make. :)

3 of my favorite TV shows:
1. All My Children
2. The Bachelor /ette
3. Good Morning America

3 of the last places I've traveled:
1. To work
2. The Grocery store
3. The shop

3 of my favorite treats:
1. Hot Tea
2. Carribu Coffee flavored latte
3. Better then Sex Cake

3 things I want to do in 2009:
1. Get a hot tub
2. Keep the laundry caught up...UGH!
3. Complete some digital photo albums

2008 in Review

2008 has come and gone. So this is where life has taken us.
The year was a whirlwind. I took a vacation to New Mexico with my oldest sister and Malissa to go see my dad. While gone Randy and the boys worked on the house. Our kitchen and dining room where remodeled. I LOVE IT!

Malissa made her First Communion
We made an upgrade in our camper...

since we spend several weekends a year down at my dad's farm so the kids can ride their 4-wheelers & dirt bikes. And you always have to fix 'em if you ride 'em.

Here are a couple of pictures of Randy's smoked meat. Randy and my brother Dennis are the main cooks while camping at the farm. Here is Randy with his home made smoker cutting up a pork loin.
Chickens, Golden Brown. mmm...We were able to re shingle our home and started to replace the outside windows and siding. We only got 2-sides done in 2008 so in the spring we hope to finisher up. We spent a weekend camping with friends, which now will become an annual event.

Corn eating contest...silly kids

We celebrated a couple of BIG birthdays this past year too. My father-in-laws 60th and my dad's 80th. They both were very fun weekends.

We ended the year with this purchase...RANDY'S new address...Just kidding...We however will probably be spending a lot of time here at Randy's new shop. It was built in 2000 so in really good shape. It is only about 4 blocks from our home. It will b e nice having a place to store all the STUFF we seamed to accumulate over the years. Plus with his construction job...we needed this. It located on a full acre so the kids will have some fun down here too.

Kids were a great help cleaning in side. There is some work to be done out side too but in due time.

Zachary ~ 2008 in Review